ARIZONA HUMMINGBIRD WORKSHOP
AUG. 26th - 29th, 2027
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Arizona Hummingbird Workshop with Karine Aigner
Photograph nature’s smallest marvels in one of North America’s richest birding regions
Tucked into the lush ribbon of life along the San Pedro River, Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast is more than a place to stay—it’s a sanctuary. Surrounded by cottonwood forests, desert grasslands, and mountain vistas, this intimate, nature-filled retreat offers front-row access to one of the most biodiverse birding regions in North America.
Join 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Karine Aigner, for an immersive hummingbird photography workshop designed to elevate both your skills and your connection to the natural world.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the pace of life soften. Mornings begin with golden desert light filtering through the trees as hummingbirds—Costa’s, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, and more—dart and hover just feet away. The property’s carefully maintained feeders and gardens create exceptional photographic opportunities, allowing you to practice and refine techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Throughout the workshop, Karine will guide you in mastering the art of photographing these fast-moving, jewel-toned birds—from freezing motion mid-hover to composing dynamic, storytelling images. With her thoughtful, encouraging teaching style, you’ll gain both technical confidence and creative inspiration.
Beyond the photography, this experience is about immersion. Enjoy chef-prepared meals, quiet moments on shaded verandas, and evenings filled with conversation, image sharing, and connection with like-minded women who share your passion for wildlife and nature.
This is not just a workshop—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and witness the magic of the desert in one of its most intimate and vibrant forms.
Karine Aigner is an award-winning visual journalist whose work focuses on the delicate relationship between nature and the human world. A self-taught photographer who spent almost a decade as a picture editor at National Geographic, Karine is only the 5th woman ever to win the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award–a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft.
Aigner’s life reads like a set of novellas. Raised in Saudi Arabia, Karine motorcycled through Vietnam, circumnavigated the globe by ship, taught English in Taiwan, and then there was the time the hyena pups chewed her shoes (while on her feet!). On her first trip to Africa, she fell in love with a continent. From one chapter to the next, her adventures uncover her fervor to tell the stories of life through the lens of a camera; her passion became the stories of the animals: their relationships to humans, their relationships to their own world, and their existence in the space between the two.
As a conservation photographer, Karine’s work serves as a powerful conduit for change. Her images not only captivate audiences but also inspire action, igniting conversations about our collective responsibility to protect the planet. In addition to her photography, Karine is a passionate educator, sharing her expertise through workshops, tours, and speaking engagements around the globe. Karine is an associate fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) and a member of Girls Who Click (a non-profit organization offering free photographic workshops to inspire teen girls that they too can have careers as a wildlife photographer). Karine’s work has graced the pages of National Geographic Magazine, the New York Times, Audubon Magazine, the Washington Post, WWF Magazine, The Nature Conservancy and numerous other esteemed publications. Aigner invites us to pause, reflect, and reevaluate our relationship with the planet we live on; her lens is not just a window into nature—it’s a call to action to pay attention to what we have to lose.
7 Participants
$3,795 (Each participant enjoys their own private room)
ITINERARY
AUG. 26th - 29th, 2027
Day 1 (August, 26th)
Arrival Day
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- By Noon: Fly into Tucson International Airport, where you’ll begin your journey into hummingbird country. Your tour leader will be waiting for you with our 12 person van. Casa de San Pedro is just a scenic 90-minute drive from Tucson.
- Mid-Afternoon: Arrive at Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast, your home away from home, nestled along the peaceful San Pedro River. Unwind, explore the property, and get acquainted with fellow participants.Casa de Pedro has multiple feeders set up for us to photograph and enjoy. This will be a great spot to get some practice in before our outings.
- Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a beautifully prepared meal as we gather together for the first time. Relax, connect, and get excited about the days ahead.
Day 2 (August 27th)
A Day of Hummingbird Photography & Connection
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- Morning: Savor a delicious breakfast at Casa de San Pedro, prepared with fresh, local ingredients to energize your day.
- Daytime Activities: Spend the day immersed in photographing hummingbirds with a local guide who will be deciding our locations on recent local sitting and knowledge.
- Guests will have the option to attend an afternoon Hummingbird banding experience at Casa De San Pedro
- Dinner at Casa de San Pedro: Reflect on the day’s experiences over another exquisite meal.
Day 3 (August 28th)
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- Morning: Start your day with a gourmet breakfast at Casa de San Pedro.
- Daytime Activities: Continue your photography journey, capturing hummingbirds in action and exploring creative ways to frame their beauty.We will again be venturing out with our local who will be deciding our locations based on recent local sitting and knowledge.
- Dinner at Casa de San Pedro: Enjoy another delicious meal with newfound friends, sharing stories and laughter as the retreat winds down.
Day 4 (August 29th)
Farewell & Departure
- Morning: Enjoy one last breakfast at Casa de San Pedro. Take time to soak in the tranquility of the property and reflect on the inspiration and joy you’ve gathered during the retreat.
- Before Lunch: Check out and bid farewell to the sanctuary of Casa de San Pedro, leaving with cherished memories, new friendships, and a renewed sense of joy and creativity. We will be transported back to the airport a 90 min drive. Please book flights after 2pm.
RESERVE SPACE
AUG. 26th - 29th, 2027
INCLUDED
- 3 nights of private accommodations at the beautiful Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast
- Roundtrip group transportation between Tucson International Airport and Casa de San Pedro (scheduled departure at 12:00 PM on Thursday)
- Chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners from Thursday evening through Sunday morning
- Guided hummingbird photography instruction with Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Karine Aigner
- Access to exceptional hummingbird photography opportunities on-site and at select local locations
- Pre-trip Zoom session to help you prepare and make the most of your experience
- Small group experience (maximum 7 women) for personalized attention and a relaxed pace
- A welcoming, supportive environment to connect with like-minded women who share your love of wildlife and nature
EXCLUDED
- Airfare to and from Tucson, Arizona
- Lunches and any additional snacks or beverages outside of included meals
- Optional donation for the hummingbird banding experience (suggested $25)
- Optional donations at select locations we visit (we recommend bringing ~$50 cash for the weekend)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, gratuities, and incidentals
Photography Guidance
Workshop-Level
This is a photography-focused workshop with dedicated, hands-on instruction throughout the experience.
You’ll receive personalized guidance from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Karine Aigner, including support with camera settings, technique, composition, and creative vision. There will be ample opportunity for one-on-one feedback, as well as group learning in a relaxed, supportive environment.
This workshop is ideal for those who want to deepen their skills while enjoying meaningful time in nature—it’s immersive, but never overwhelming.
All skill levels are welcome, though a basic familiarity with your camera will help you get the most out of the experience.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This workshop is designed to be relaxed and accessible for most participants. Activities primarily involve short walks on flat, well-maintained paths, with frequent opportunities to sit, rest, and photograph from comfortable positions.
Much of your time will be spent enjoying hummingbird photography right on the grounds of Casa de San Pedro, minimizing the need for extensive travel or physical exertion.
You should feel comfortable:
- Standing for short periods while photographing
- Walking short distances (generally under 10 minutes at a time)
- Getting in and out of a vehicle with ease
This experience is ideal for those seeking a slower-paced, low-impact photography retreat.